Recent Activity At The Capitol

May 2, 2016

HB 5303 - AN ACT CONCERNING CHILDHOOD OBESITY

This bill bars child care centers from serving beverages containing added artificial or natural sweeteners to children in their care. The bill also requires that students in grades preschool through 5 to devote 20 minutes daily to physical activity. In 2011, a survey found that one-third of Connecticut students in kindergarten and third grade are overweight or obese.  The habits we develop when we are young often stay with us for our entire lives. This bill hopes to help make those habits healthy.

HB 5237 - AN ACT CONCERNING FAIR CHANCE EMPLOYMENT

This bill known as "Ban the Box" would prevent employers from inquiring about an applicant's criminal history on a job application. Employers such as school districts and law enforcement agencies, which are required by law to check every applicant's criminal background, would be exempt. Research shows that most employers are reluctant to hire applicants with criminal records. A recent study found that a criminal record reduced the likelihood of a callback or job offer by nearly 50 percent. This bill would ensure that ex-offenders have the opportunity to become upstanding members of society once they serve their time.

HB 5376 - AN ACT CONCERNING AFFIRMATIVE CONSENT AND CONSENT FOR THE CARE AND TREATMENT OF COLLEGE STUDENTS WHO ARE THE VICTIM OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

One in five women nationally, and one in 16 men, are assaulted during their college career. Last year, one in 10 female students at UConn reported that they had been sexually assaulted since enrolling in school. This bill would bring greater uniformity to how all institutions define consensual sexual activity in disciplinary matters.  Affirmed consent is described as an "active, clear and voluntary agreement by a person," or "yes, means yes."  Sexual violence is unacceptable on any college campus. This bill will help protect Connecticut students.